Monday, April 30, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Governor and First Lady Promote National Safe Kids Week
JEFFERSON CITY– Gov. Matt Blunt and First Lady Melanie Blunt are working to promote safety issues for Missouri's children during National Safe Kids Week, April 28 through May 6.
"Keeping children safe and protecting them remains a constant concern for Missouri families," said Gov. Blunt, whose son turned two two months ago. "Taking steps to avoid accidents and protecting our children's safety is critical to ensuring their welfare. National Kids Safe Week provides a good opportunity for families across the state to emphasize and reiterate safety lessons with their children."
National Safe Kids Week works to help keep children safe from accidental injuries. During this week and throughout the year Safe Kids works to support events for families to learn about simple prevention measures to help keep their children safe and about proper safety devices.
"Even the smallest steps to improve safety can make a significant impact in a child's life and welfare," Mrs. Blunt said. "I urge all Missouri parents and caregivers to always make safety a priority."
Last year the governor signed legislation to improve child safety when traveling. Missouri law now requires children who are between four and seven years old, weigh between 40 and 80 pounds and who are less than four feet nine inches tall to be secured in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat. Children weighing at least 80 pounds or who are taller than four feet nine inches must be secured by a safety belt or booster seat appropriate for the child.
Since taking office the governor has taken proactive steps to protect Missouri's children from dangerous sexual predators. He has called for and signed tough sex offender legislation ensuring that Missouri has some of the strongest sex offender laws in the nation and gives Missouri's law enforcement the tools they need to keep our neighborhoods safe.
The governor and first lady have been avid supporters for Missouri's crisis nurseries ensuring that there are safe and nurturing environments for children when there are problems at home.
Gov. Blunt has also been committed to reducing the funding gap that exists for residential treatment services for Missouri children. This year the governor proposed to increase reimbursement rates by $5 per child, per day for residential treatment services that would close the gap to only $30. Residential treatment programs offer long term or permanent care and treatment for children in the state's custody.